New Shooter

[Kenny474]

The biggest issue, and also limiting factor, with most of the factory .223's is the twist rate. If you want to shoot long, a 7 twist is best as you can sling heavy lead.

The 1-9's and 1-12's just can't throw the heavies.

That's why I would go .308 or .243, and the .243 will likely be a bit easier to master due to lower recoil.

 

[bozo699]

SeaWasp ,
RonAKA is correct, buy the best brass you can. You can buy Lapua or Norma from sinclair or midway and I think Bruno's. Again if you are in a hurry buy winchester or federal factory loads I think there brass is better than remington. The Federal you can get it in gold medal match which is loaded with smks.
Wayne.

 

[SeaWasp]

I'd like to thank everyone for their input !!

I've been absent due to my new obsession w/Snipers and their equipment. Been reading "ALOT" !!!!

I have a (wish) list started which includes (but not limited to):

Savage 12VLP DBM .243
Swift 8-32x50 PRS
RC Sup Mstr Reloading Kit

So far so good. Checking on other things too, powder etc etc..
I still have alot to learn about the "purchase", but there is a member here that has helped me with each step I take with suggestions, opinions, and insight.
His help, and the help of others here has been "priceless" !!!

Be back soon ! So much to read & learn until I'm equipped.

 

[bozo699]

SeaWasp,
I think your going in the right direction except for the glass,unless they have vastly improved in the last few years you wont be happy with the swift scope. The paralax is terrible,and the light gathering ability isn't good. Money wise I don't know where you stand but somwhere in the same range I think you could get a weaver or a sightron wich are not the best IMO but way better than the swifts.
Wayne.

 

[RonAKA]

I think the Savage gun is a good start. The Swift scope I'm much less sure about. Suspect it is a made in China, with quality somewhat of a question mark. Here are a couple of links which rank scopes for quality. For me a Bushnell 3200 is kind of a benchmark, that is the start of reasonable quality scopes. Better is nice if you can afford it, but I would question going lower. If it is for target only, I would suggest a Weaver T36 or Sightron 36X, and potentially you can get one used at this site.

http://www.chuckhawks.com/recommended_riflescopes.htm

http://www.opticstalk.com/topic8185.html

For reloading, on the other hand you may be spending too much. You can reload high quality rounds with a Lee Anniversary Kit and a set of dies. Once you get into it, then you can upgrade components as need to. If you want to do it piece by piece right from the start, then here is what I would suggest is good quality for a fair price.

- Lee Classic Cast Press
- Forster basic dies for hunting, or the Bushing/Bump sizer, and Ultra Seating die for target quality loads
- Lee shell holders
- Redding Model 2 or RCBS model 505 balance beam scales (whichever is less expensive). I have the Redding Model 1 which is oil damped instead of magnetic, and it has lasted 50 years.
- Lee Hand Priming tool
- Lee Perfect Powder measure (only to pre measure the powder into the scale pan)
- Lee primer pocket cleaner
- Lee case mouth bevel tool
- Lee or Lyman powder funnel. Nice to have one that does not roll off the bench.
- Lyman or just about any brand of powder trickler
- I like the Lee case trimming system with the attachment for a drill. The Lee is fast and virtually fool proof.

 

[bozo699]

Well put RonAKA
Wayne.

 

[SeaWasp]

Thanks everyone for the "Great" input. The more I research, the more I see the "big picture".
You all are saints for helping out a "wanna-be" shooter. This Forum is lucky to have such knowledgeable members willing to help out.